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Iconic Estadio Azteca stadium where Diego Maradona scored The Hand of God to be renamed as part of £80MILLION deal

Published on March 26, 2025 at 05:46 PM

THE iconic Estadio Azteca is set to be renamed the Estadio Banorte as part of an £80million sponsorship deal.

Mexico‘s national stadium has undergone several renovations since being opened in 1966.

Aerial view of Azteca stadium renovations.
Estadio Azteca has been renamed
Aerial view of Estadio Banorte under construction.
The iconic stadium is currently being renovated
Estadio Azteca during a football game with the Mexican and American flags displayed on the field.
The stadium is set to host the opening game of 2026 World Cup

It is currently undergoing changes in order to be fully modernised in time for next year's World Cup.

In order to help finance the redevelopments, a sponsorship deal has been reached with Mexican bank Banorte that will see the 81,000-capacity ground's name change.

A statement read: “Banorte and Grupo Ollamani proudly announce a partnership that includes financing, advertising, and sponsorship elements to modernize and transform this historic stadium, a symbol of Mexican football and culture.

“From today, the Cathedral of World Football will be known as Estadio Banorte.”

The arrangement will see the stadium receive £80million in financing.

Strict Fifa sponsorship rules, however, will dictate that the stadium will still be referred to as Estadio Azteca throughout next year's World Cup.

Renovations will see improved LED screens introduced, new interior spaces built, moved media seats and improved changing rooms – in addition to an increased capacity of 90,000.

Mexican side Club America also play their home games at the Estadio Azteca.

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Last year they temporarily moved to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, however, due to the Azteca's revelopment works.

It's hoped that the Azteca will be ready for Club America to return to by December.

The Azteca will be the biggest stadium used for the 2026 World Cup and is scheduled to host two of Mexico's three group matches, including the tournament's opening game on June 11 next year.

This will make the Azteca the first stadium to ever host three World Cup openers, having also done so in 1970 and 1986.

Despite the stadium's prestige, only five of the tournament's 104 matches will take place in Mexico City.

Its last will be a round of 16 clash on July 5.

In comparison, the Estadio Azteca hosted 10 games at the 1970 World Cup and nine in 1986.

One of the matches it hosted during the latter was England‘s quarter-final exit to Argentina.

The match remains legendary for Diego Maradona‘s double – one a sensational weaving run and finish, the other the infamous Hand of God.

With the Azteca still possessing terracing in those days, the match was watched by 114,580 people from the stands.

Diego Maradona scoring a goal with his hand against England in the 1986 World Cup.
Diego Maradona's Hand of God took place at Mexico City's iconic stadium
Pelé celebrates Brazil's 1970 World Cup victory in Mexico.
Pele won the 1958 World Cup at the Estadio Azteca
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